Judge praises John Adams in Law Day remarks

Syracuse, NY - Acting state Supreme Court Justice John Cherundolo presided over Law Day 2011 ceremonies today in Syracuse.

The following are the remarks Cherundolo delivered to the gathering of students, lawyers and court officials at the Onondaga County Courthouse.

“Today our “Law Day” theme is “The Legacy of John Adams, From Boston to Guantanamo.” At first glance, we are here today to celebrate our justice system, and to understand and appreciate those lawyers that represent the “unpopular defendants” such as the alleged terrorists that have been housed at Guantanamo.

“John Adams was a practicing lawyer in Boston in 1770 when a handful of English soldiers opened fire on a crowd of people demonstrating against the mother country’s use of taxes levied on the new America - ostensibly to pay the English war debts. Five of the demonstrating citizens were killed, and another dozen or so were injured.. John Adams volunteered to represent the soldiers - not because he wanted to or had any affinity for their cause. He did so out of a belief that, if a democratic republic is to flourish, there must be a strong and viable court system to dispense justice. He chose to represent the soldiers - despite the unpopular cause - to assure that they got a fair trial despite public opinion.

“There are many similarities today with prisoners at Guantanamo. Indeed, the lawyers that defend the prisoners there do so out of an undying belief that every person is entitled to a fair trial in our justice system. Despite the unpopular sentiment surrounding their representation, these lawyers show the same courage and conviction that John Adams showed over two hundred years ago.

“But John Adams’ contribution to today’s society is not limited by his courage and conviction in representing those that are hated by the populace. Indeed, Adams is given much credit for the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of America’s new government. His paper, ‘Thoughts on Government,’ authored in 1776, set out the guidelines for the formation of our federal and most state governments. He was a true believer in a strong and viable court system, to counter what he thought was a two-part legislature prone to corruption and favoritism. He believed in a strong and independent judiciary - one not controlled by or reliant upon the legislature, where judges can act with TRUE independence in making decisions affecting all in our country.

“Above all, John Adams showed the value of freedom of speech and action, as he vigorously spoke against the tyranny of the English rule, and was a leading force leading America to the Revolution. He was a true believer in the individual rights of citizens, and sought to provide a form of government that would provide to all citizens fairness and justice that is deserved from government.

“As we celebrate Law Day today, let us all remember our country was built upon the backs of brave and courageous individuals, who freely spoke their minds, and who truly valued the new found independence and freedom. Let us never forget the sacrifices they made, the risks they took, and the efforts they made to form our government. Let us also never forget that a strong and vibrant court system is the cornerstone to a democracy, so that each person in our land can know that Justice will prevail, and that we all will receive equal justice under the law no matter what public opinion may be.

“And so I say to the young men and women here today, commit yourselves to follow in the footsteps of John Adams. Be ever vigilant in your everyday lives to stand up for fairness and justice. Understand the true values and beliefs that our country was built upon, and NEVER take your liberty for granted. Thousands of men and women have sacrificed dearly to assure the liberty and freedom that we have today. Make it our legacy to the next generation that they to, no matter who our leaders of government might be, get the same rights and freedoms as those generations passed down to us.”